Brauttraum

Brauttraum is a bridal shop at Gossauerstrasse 10 in Herisau, run by Marina Schiess and trading as Brauttraum GmbH. It sells new wedding dresses from a list of international designers, civil-ceremony and maternity dresses, two-piece outfits, evening dresses, accessories, and second-hand and outlet dresses, and it alters dresses through its own sewing atelier. The site publishes price ranges: wedding dresses from CHF 699 to 4890 and two-pieces from CHF 169 to 699. Bridal fittings are by appointment, with evening slots by arrangement and free parking at the shop.

Marina Schiess

On the "Über uns" page, Marina Schiess, the Geschäftsführerin, writes that she was fascinated by wedding dresses as a little girl. After school she first trained as a carpenter (Schreinerin), then realized that was not her path and trained as a retail specialist (Detailhandelsfachfrau), which led her into bridal fashion. She has been part of Brauttraum since and now continues the business. Finding a dress, she writes, is more than a purchase: "ein Erlebnis voller Magie, Freude und Herzklopfen", an experience full of joy and a racing heart, which she likes to share with each bride.

The shop's stated aim is on the style page: "Wir möchten, dass Sie unseren Brauttraum glücklicher verlassen, als Sie gekommen sind", we want you to leave happier than you came.

Designers and prices

The dresses page says every dress is carefully chosen, that the designers are international, and that the shop works closely with them so a bride can give her dress a personal touch. It lists these labels with price ranges:

• Elizabeth Passion (marked "coming soon"), CHF 1590 to 2490
• Romanova Atelier, CHF 1590 to 3590. The page says Natalia Romanova's atelier has made light, delicate dresses since 2002, handmade in a small workshop, and designed for weddings anywhere from a restaurant to skis in the Alps.
• Agnieszka Światły, CHF 2690 to 4790, an ultra-feminine style with lace and deep necklines front and back, including 2-in-1 models.
• Ari Villoso, CHF 1890 to 3000, which the page calls couture quality and its main supplier; brides can add a personal touch to the design.
• Loreto bridal, CHF 1200 to 1800, a young couture line where each dress is handmade to measure and the bride can help design it.
• piqyourdress, a Swiss brand made in Europe, with two-piece outfits in viscose, modal and jersey for the wedding, the civil ceremony or as a guest, meant to be worn again, CHF 169 to 799.
• Mark Loren, two-pieces cut to measure by hand, CHF 149 to 990.

The style page also names Eva Lendel, Ari Villoso, Pronovias, White One and Tania Olsen. The overall ranges given are CHF 699 to 4890 for wedding dresses and CHF 169 to 699 for two-pieces.

Styles, civil-ceremony and maternity dresses

The style page walks through the main cuts. The mermaid or fishtail dress flares from the knee, which the page says suits tall women and hourglass figures. The A-line, it says, flatters every figure. Fit-and-flare, or trumpet, hugs the body and flows into the skirt. The princess dress, with its full skirt, can work for shorter brides too with a longer corset, according to the page. Featured models include Greta, with a detachable train, Rosaleen in blush lace, and Marcella, available in blush and ivory. If a dress lacks glitter, lace or tulle, the shop says "Wir erledigen das!", we'll take care of it.

The shop also carries civil-ceremony dresses, dresses for expectant brides and two-pieces, which it says work both as a simpler main outfit and as a second dress for the party. For maternity dresses, the page names the empire cut as the most popular and says maternity dresses are altered only shortly before the wedding so they fit on the day.

Alterations and cleaning

The "Schneiderei / Reinigung" page says the shop adapts each dress to the bride's ideas, paying attention to the fit and to a personal touch, and that individual changes are already discussed during the fitting. The about page credits this to the "hauseigenen Nähateliers", the in-house sewing atelier, working with experienced seamstresses. The home page FAQ asks whether alterations are included in the price but the answer is not shown, so ask.

The shop is also a drop-off point for dry cleaning, working with Waschbär Textilreinigung AG in Balgach; customers can bring clothes or household textiles to the shop.

Appointments, hours and contact

The FAQ explains that a bridal or civil-ceremony fitting needs an appointment so there is enough time. For an evening dress, customers can drop in, but without an appointment the shop cannot guarantee a free fitting room or time for a full consultation.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday to Friday 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 18:30
• Saturday 9:00 to 16:00 without a break

Evening appointments for bridal fittings are possible by arrangement, and there is free parking. The shop is closed on 14 and 15 November for the Hochzeitsmesse St. Gallen, and for company holidays from 10 to 16 December 2026. Contact is by phone on +41 71 744 42 42 or e-mail to info@braut-traum.ch, and the site has an appointment page.

What past brides say

The testimonials on the home page stress time and patience. Loredana thanks Marina for the calm and time that gave her back the confidence she had lost. Another bride praises the whole process, from the first visit to "(nicht ganz einfachen) Änderungen", not entirely simple alterations, and names Marina and Marjam as friendly and very competent. A third describes a place where you feel welcome at once, for wedding and evening dresses alike.

What the site leaves open

The site is in German only and does not say whether fittings can be held in English. The FAQ questions on when to book, which sizes are stocked and whether alterations are included are listed without visible answers. There is no stated delivery time for ordered dresses.

Who it suits

Brauttraum suits brides who want clear prices before they visit, a choice between new, second-hand and outlet dresses, and alterations handled by the shop. The evening appointments and free parking help working couples. A bride from abroad should confirm language, sizes and delivery times by e-mail before planning the trip.